Registered Nurses Jobs Pay in Wilmington, NC

Average Hourly Pay

$41.13
28.5%Above national average

Range: $39.17 - $43.09

Average Annual Pay

$85,547
28.5%Above national average

Range: $81,474 - $89,621

Entry-level
$72,715/per year
Top 10%
$89,621+/per year

Methodology: These figures are estimated from limited publicly available salary data.

Average Hourly Pay

$41.13
28.5%Above national average

Range: $39.17 - $43.09

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Wilmington, NC?

The average annual salary for a registered nurse in Wilmington, NC is $85,547 per year. If you prefer to look at it hourly, that works out to about $41.13 per hour. This is roughly equivalent to $1,645 per week or $7,129 per month, depending on hours worked.

Salary range for registered nurses in Wilmington, NC

Min25%Median75%Max
25th
$73k
75th
$86k
Top 10%
$90k

Registered Nurses salaries in Wilmington, NC can vary depending on experience, certifications, location within the state, and the type of work performed.

While some salaries can reach as high as $89,621, entry-level or lower-paid roles may start around $81,474 annually.

The difference between the lower and higher ends of the pay range for registered nurses in Wilmington, NC — about $12,832 between the 25th and 75th percentiles — suggests there may be opportunities for registered nurses to increase their earnings over time through additional training, certifications, and years of experience.

Top-paying cities for registered nurses around Wilmington, NC

While the average salary for a registered nurses in Wilmington, NC is $85,547 per year, some cities across the state offer higher earning potential.

Based on available salary data, 6 cities report average registered nurses salaries above the statewide average.

Leading the list is Greenville, followed by Fayetteville and Raleigh-Cary, which also rank among the top-paying locations for registered nurses in the state.

Greenville stands out with registered nurses earning around $8,889 more than the statewide average, or about 10% higher.

In Fayetteville and Raleigh-Cary, average salaries are about $8,780 higher than the Wilmington, NC average, representing roughly a 10% increase.

Because several cities offer salaries above the state average, registered nurses may find opportunities to increase their earnings by working in higher-paying areas within Wilmington, NC.

Factors such as local demand for skilled professionals, cost of living, and the type of work available can influence these differences.

Registered Nurses pay in Wilmington, NC by experience level

Salaries for registered nurses in Wilmington, NC often increase as professionals gain more experience, develop specialized skills, and take on greater responsibilities.

Entry Level0-2 years
Hourly Rate$34.96/hrRange: $39.17 – $34.96
Annual Rate$72,715Range: $81,474 $72,715

Entry-level registered nurses (0-2 years) typically earn lower salaries while gaining practical experience and learning the basics of the role. At this stage, pay usually averages around $81,474 – $72,715 per year, depending on the employer, industry, and location.

Mid level3-6 years
Hourly Rate$41.13/hrRange: $34.96 – $47.30
Annual Rate$85,547Range: $72,715 $98,379

Mid-level registered nurses (3-6 years) often see higher earnings as they build expertise and may take on more complex tasks or independent work. Many professionals in this stage earn approximately $72,715 – $98,379 annually.

Senior level7+ years
Hourly Rate$47.30/hrRange: $47.30 – $43.09
Annual Rate$98,379Range: $98,379 $89,621

Experienced registered nurses (7+ years) generally earn the highest salaries. With advanced skills, leadership responsibilities, or specialized knowledge, pay can reach $98,379 – $89,621 per year.

Key factors that affect pay of registered nurses in Wilmington, NC

Several factors can influence how much registered nurses earn in Wilmington, NC, even when the average salary is around $85,547 per year.

Experience level is one of the biggest drivers of pay. Entry-level workers typically earn closer to $72,715, while experienced professionals can make $98,379+ annually.

Location within the region also plays a role. In higher-paying cities salaries can be higher than the regional average due to stronger demand and local economic conditions.

Industry and specialization can further impact earnings. Professionals working in specialized areas or large-scale projects often earn more than those in entry-level or general roles.

Together, these factors create a wide salary range for registered nurses in Wilmington, NC, giving experienced professionals opportunities to increase their earnings over time.

Estimated take-home pay

Calculate your take-home pay and understand your tax withholdings.1

Try calculator

FAQs about Registered Nurse in Wilmington, NC

Do registered nurses make good money in Wilmington, NC?

Whether or not you think registered nurses pay well might depend on your specific situation and needs. The average salary for registered nurses in Wilmington, NC is about $85,547 per year, or roughly $41.13 per hour. Entry-level professionals typically earn around $72,715 annually, while experienced workers can earn $98,379 or more per year depending on experience and specialization.

Can registered nurses make $90,000 a year in Wilmington, NC?

Yes, some can. While the average salary is around $85,547, top-earning registered nurses in Wilmington, NC can make about $89,621 or more annually. Professionals with advanced certifications, specialized skills, or leadership roles are more likely to reach this level of pay.

Is $85,000 a good salary for a registered nurse in Wilmington, NC?

A salary of $85,000 is close to the average for registered nurses in Wilmington, NC. Most professionals in this role earn between $72,715 and $98,379 per year, depending on experience, industry, and location.

How much does a starting registered nurse make in Wilmington, NC?

Entry-level registered nurses in Wilmington, NC typically earn around $34.96/hr, which equals roughly $72,715 per year. Starting salaries may vary based on training, certifications, and the employer.

How much does a licensed or certified registered nurse make in Wilmington, NC?

Licensed or certified registered nurses in Wilmington, NC earn about $85,547 per year on average, with typical salaries ranging between $72,715 and $98,379 annually. Highly experienced professionals can earn $89,621 or more.

What is the hourly pay for registered nurses in Wilmington, NC?

The average hourly pay for registered nurses in Wilmington, NC is about $41.13 per hour. Entry-level workers may earn closer to $34.96, while experienced professionals can earn $47.30+ per hour.

What is the salary range for registered nurses in Wilmington, NC?

Most registered nurses in Wilmington, NC earn between $72,715 and $98,379 per year, while the top 10% earn more than $89,621 annually.

How fast does pay increase for registered nurses?

Pay for registered nurses typically increases with experience. Many professionals see earnings grow from around $72,715 early in their careers to $98,379+ after several years of experience.
Apple App Store4.8 ⭐️ on App 352.5K reviews
Google Play Store4.7 ⭐️ on Google 275K reviews
Trusted by professionals

19M+ people use EarnIn to access their wages early

Phone mockup showing EarnIn app
Registered Nurses Pay in Wilmington, North Carolina | EarnIn